Modular Rollup Artificial Turf System

ABSTRACT

A non-filled artificial turf surface (e.g., field) that can be removed by disconnecting and rolling up a plurality of non-filled artificial turf mats, and reinstalled by unrolling and reconnecting the non-filled artificial turf mats. In a further aspect, the invention is also directed at a method for installing and subsequently removing the non-filled transition artificial turf field in a quick and efficient manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of the filing date,of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No, 62/153,225, filed Apr. 27,2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to artificial turf used for athletic fields. Morespecifically, this invention relates to a filled artificial turf withenhanced versatility, due to its roll up, unroll capability.

BACKGROUND

Synthetic grass sports surfaces are well known. These surfaces arebecoming increasingly popular as replacements for natural grass surfacesin stadiums, playgrounds, golf driving ranges, and other facilities. Thesynthetic grass surfaces stand up to wear much better than natural grasssurfaces, do not require as much maintenance, and can be used inpartially or fully enclosed stadiums where natural grass cannottypically be grown.

Most synthetic grass surfaces comprise rows of strips or ribbons ofsynthetic grass-like material, extending vertically from a backing matwith particulate material infill in between the ribbons on the mat. Oneor more layers of aggregate material are introduced between the backingmat and on top of a smoothed and compacted subgrade. The surfaces arepreferably crowned to promote water drainage. The ribbons of syntheticgrass-like material usually extend a short distance above the layer ofparticulate material and represent blades of grass. The length of thesefibers is dictated by the end use of the playing surface. For example,football fields utilize fibers that are longer than golf driving rangesurfaces. The particulate material usually comprises sand. Theparticulate matter can also comprise a mixture of sand and othermaterials, including rubber infill. In these systems, the rubber infilland sand together provide resiliency to the synthetic grass surfaces. Inaddition, the sand particles add weight to hold down the backingmaterial, thus helping to ensure that the strips of synthetic grass donot move or shift during play. In more recent systems, fields have beenproduced that utilize 100 percent resilient material as infill. Theconventional use of infill in synthetic grass surfaces increases thedifficulty of removal and storage of such systems.

For certain sporting facilities or venues, particularly indoor arenas orstadia, the facility can be used for a wide variety of events, includingnon-sporting events. Some of these events could have adverse effects ona typical artificial turf, due to excessive wear. These adverse effectstend to reduce the playability of, and shorten the effective life of,the artificial turf. Thus, there is a need to accommodate themulti-purpose needs of such facilities, while at the same timeminimizing or eliminating any adverse effects on the artificial turfused for sporting events.

It is thus highly desirable to produce a non-filled transition (i.e.non-permanent) synthetic grass surface that is easily installed andremoved in the same facility for sporting events that has performanceand durability characteristics similar to natural surfaces.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a non-filled artificial turf field which can beremoved by disconnecting and rolling up a plurality of non-filledartificial turf mats, and reinstalled by unrolling and reconnecting thenon-filled artificial turf mats. In a further aspect, disclosed hereinis a method for installing and subsequently removing the non-filledtransition artificial turf field in a quick and efficient manner.

Because it is contemplated that the non-filled artificial turf mats canbe arranged on a floor for a specific activity and then removed andstored when a different activity is to take place on the same floor, itis desirable to provide a system that allows the non-filled artificialturf mats to be easily attached and separated. In some aspects, thesystem is reusable in that it can permit the non-filled artificial turfmats to be connected and then separated multiple times. In someembodiments in accordance with the invention, the system can allow thenon-filled artificial turf mats to be attached to each other and form asubstantially contiguous top surface. In other embodiments, thenon-filled artificial turf mats can be secured by a connecting system toreduce the likelihood of the mats moving with respect to each other toprovide gaps between the non-filled artificial turf mats.

In one aspect, a non-filled artificial turf field can be formed byinterconnecting a plurality of non-filled artificial turf mats, whereineach of the non-filled artificial turf mats comprises a turf layer and afoam substrate. In one aspect, the turf layer comprises a plurality offibrillated yarns tufted within the multilayer backing material. Theyarns can be tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges,and stitch patterns depending upon a desired end use.

The bottommost layer of the multilayer backing material can be coatedwith an adhesive coating layer that is configured to bind to, andoptionally integrate with, at least a portion of the plurality of yarnsthat is exposed on the bottommost surface of the multilayer backingmaterial. The foam substrate comprising a shock resistant material canbe adhered to the bottom of the adhesive layer.

In operation, the bottom surface of the mats can be laid on a substratesuch as a flooring material, concrete slab, or a leveled aggregate anddirt subgrade. Selected non-filled artificial turf mats can be coupledtogether utilizing hook and loop fastening systems. To remove theassembled artificial turf field, each non-filled artificial turf mat issimply unhooked from the next adjacent non-filled artificial turf matand rolled onto a roller

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodimentsof the invention that will be described below and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the inventionwill become more apparent in the detailed description in which referenceis made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two adjoining non-filled artificial turfmats showing one mat being separated from the adjoining mat and beingrolled up for storage.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of a cross-sectional view of a portion of anon-filled artificial turf mat.

FIG. 3 is a side view of two non-filled artificial turf mats having aconnecting means for reducing movement between selectively adjoinedartificial turf mats and preventing gaps from occurring between theselectively adjoined artificial turf mats.

FIG. 4 is a side view of two non-filled artificial turf mats connectedto each other using a connecting means in accordance with the embodimentshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an artificial turf mat having aconnecting means in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, examples, drawing, and claims, and theirprevious and following description. However, before the present devices,systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices,systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as suchcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only andis not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an enablingteaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. Tothis end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize andappreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of theinvention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial resultsof the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of thedesired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selectingsome of the features of the present invention without utilizing otherfeatures. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possibleand can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent invention. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present invention and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “a connecting surface” can include two or moresuch connecting surfaces unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

In one embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, disclosed herein is anon-filled artificial turf field 10 which can be removed bydisconnecting and rolling up a plurality of non-filled artificial turfmats 20, and reinstalled by unrolling and reconnecting the filledartificial turf mats. In one aspect, a non-filled artificial turf fieldcan be formed by interconnecting the plurality of non-filled artificialturf mats. In one aspect, each of the non-filled artificial turf mats 20comprises a turf layer 40 and an underlying foam substrate 60. As usedherein, the term “non-filled” refers to an artificial turf mat having aturf layer that does not comprise particulate infill, such as sand andrubber infills as are conventionally found in artificial turf products.

In one aspect, the turf layer 40 comprises a plurality of fibrillatedyarns 42 tufted within a backing material 50. In one aspect, theplurality of fibrillated yarns 42 can comprise at least two differenttypes of yarn (e.g., at least a first type of yarn 42 and a second typeof yarn 42″. In one example and not meant to be limiting, a first typeof yarn can comprise a 8000 denier, high performance, outdoor,polyethylene, fibrillated tape yarn and a second type of yarn cancomprise a 4500 denier, 8-ply, texturized polyethylene yarn. In thisaspect, and referencing FIG. 2, the first yarn is a tape yarn that isconfigured to provide the look of “blades” of natural grass and toenhance the durability of the formed mat for sports use. In this aspect,the second yarn can be a texturized yarn that is configured to providedesired softness and “densifies” the resultant turf layer of the matwithout the need for infill. Nylon, polyester, polypropylene and otheryarn types can be used as well. It is also contemplated that thedifferent types of yarns forming the plurality of fibrillated yarns canbe tufted in a wide variety of pile heights, patterns, gauges, andstitch patterns depending upon a desired end use.

The backing material 50 preferably is a multi-layer backing comprisingof at least two backing layers. In one aspect, the backing material 50can optionally comprise at least two nonwoven backing layers, at leastone nonwoven backing layer needled to at least one woven backing layer,at least two nonwoven backing layers, at least one woven layer needledto another woven layer, and the like. When the backing material 50comprises at least two backing layers, it is contemplated that each ofthe respective at least two backing layers can have the same ordifferent pics counts. One skilled in the art will appreciate that themachine gauge, yarn size, stitch rate and needle size are all factorswhen considering an appropriate backing material.

In one example and not meant to be limiting, the backing material 50 cancomprise two 15 pic, woven, polypropylene primary backings. Inoperation, the respective polypropylene primary backings are fedindividually from two backing stands and into a tufting machine with oneon top of the other. The needles conventionally penetrate the backingmaterial 50 with the plurality of fibrillated yarns 42 to create adesired “pile” on the face of the artificial turf mat. In one aspect, itis contemplated that at least two fibrillated yarns of the plurality offibrillated yarns can be fed to each needle. Due to the large needlesize and the large filament size, it is desired that the backingmaterial comprises at least two backing layers.

In a further aspect, the turf layer 40 can comprise an adhesive coatinglayer 44. In this aspect, the bottommost layer of the backing material50 can be coated with the adhesive coating layer, which is configured tobind to, and optionally integrate with, at least a portion of theplurality of fibrillated yarns that is exposed on the bottommost surfaceof the backing material (i.e., the backstitch). In one aspect, it iscontemplated that this adhesive coating layer 44 can seal the portion ofthe plurality of fibrillated yarns that is exposed on the bottommostsurface of the backing material to the bottommost layer of the backingmaterial and can add a layer of dimensional stability to the backing. Inone aspect, the adhesive layer is applied at about 15 to 30 ounces persquare foot, and more preferably about 20 ounces per square foot, ontothe bottommost layer of the backing material.

In one aspect, it is contemplated that the adhesive layer 44 cancomprise ECOWORX Broadloom (EBL) extruded coating (SHAW INDUSTRIESGROUP, INC., Dalton, Ga., United States of America), which is configuredto lock the backstitch by encapsulation and provides a surface for theunderlying foam substrate to adhere. Since the EBL coating is athermoplastic, as opposed to a standard latex or polyurethane coating,it has good adhesion characteristics. The use of EBL allows foracceptable tuft-binds without a latex pre-coat. In one exemplary aspect,a conventional hot melt methodology can be utilized to apply theadhesive layer thereon the bottommost surface of the backing material.Guidance to EBL can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.11/915,553, 12/952,709, 13/036,457, 13/887,866, and 13/953,156, and inU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,338,698, 7,357,971, 7,910,194, 8,283,017, and8,496,869, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

It is contemplated that latex formulations with very low filler contentcan also be used as the adhesive layer. Optionally, it is alsocontemplated that a secondary backing can be adhered to the adhesivelayer to facilitate adhesion to the underlying foam substrate byproviding more surface area or to create a different surface texture.

In one aspect, the underlying foam substrate 60 can comprise a shockresistant material that can be adhered to the bottom surface of the turflayer. In one exemplary aspect, the underlying foam substrate cancomprise a cross-linked, polyethylene foam pad. To meet desired athleticperformance and safety requirements, the underlying foam substrate canbe between about 0.375 inches to about 0.625 inches in cross-sectionalheight. Exemplary, non-limiting properties of a suitable cross-linked,polyethylene foam pad can include: a density of about 6 lb/ft³; atensile strength of about 136 psi; elongation percentage of about 160%;tear resistance of about 39; compressive strength of about: 14 psi (at10% deflection), about 20 psi (at 25% deflection), about 29 psi (at 40%deflection), and about 37 psi (at 50% deflection); a compression set ofabout 13%; thermal stability of less than about 0.5% change (24 hours at158° F.); water absorption of less than 0.07 lb/ft² (skived); and aworking temperature of between about −56° F. to about +210° F.

In various non-limiting examples, versions of the exemplary suitablecross-linked, polyethylene foam substrate 60 were tested and had theproperties shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Properties of Foam Substrate Force Vertical DensityWeight Height Reduction Deflection Version (lb) (Oz) (inches) Gmax (%)(mm) 1 6 48 0.375 78.1 71 10.4 2 6 48 0.25 98.1 68.1 9.8 3 6 48 0.62596.6 68.6 10.3

In exemplary aspects, the desired range for Gmax (surface hardness) canbe less than or equal to 100. In further exemplary aspects, the desiredrange for Force Reduction can be between 55-75%. In still furtherexemplary aspects, the desired range for vertical deflection can bebetween about 8 and about 11 mm. As one will appreciate, thecharacteristics of the disclosed foam substrate 60 can permit compliancewith FIFA 1 STAR standards.

In one aspect, the upper surface 62 of the underlying foam substrate 60can be adhered to the lower surface 45 of the adhesive layer 44. In oneexemplary methodology, it is contemplated that the foam substrate can beflame laminated to the turf layer. In this aspect, the upper surface 62of the foam substrate can be heated by being exposed to a flame topartially melt the top surface of the foam substrate to a desired depth.Subsequently, the bottom surface of the turf layer can be attached tothe heated top surface of the foam substrate and the joined turf layerand the foam substrate can then be run between two rollers to compressand bind the respective turf layer and the foam substrate together.

When the joined turf layer and the foam substrate have cooled, thejoined materials can be scored, milled and fitted with connection meansto form the respective individual non-filled artificial turf mats. Inone aspect, the individual non-filled artificial turf mats can have awidth of between about 2 feet to about 12 feet. The mats can have anyshape, but it is preferred that the mats have a generally rectangularshape with the elongate length exceeding the width.

In another aspect, to aid in rolling up an individual turf mat, each mat20 can have a plurality of slits 22 defined into the bottom surface ofthe underlying foam substrate that extend the entire width, orsubstantially the entire width, of the turf mat. Each slit extendsupwardly toward the overlying turf layer to a desired depth in the foamsubstrate. In various aspects, the slits can extend about 10%, about20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%,about 90%, or about 95% of the cross-sectional height of the foamsubstrate (moving upwardly from the bottom surface of the mat). Inexemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the slits can extend fromabout 50% to about 99% of the cross-sectional height of the foamsubstrate. In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated the slitscan extend from about 75% to about 95% of the cross-sectional height ofthe foam substrate.

In operation, the bottom surface of the mats can be laid on a substratesuch as a flooring material, concrete slab, or a leveled aggregate anddirt subgrade and married to adjoining mats to create a floating,portable athletic field. The connection means is configured to besuitable for selective joining and separating the artificial turf mats.As one will appreciate, also disclosed herein is method for installingand subsequently removing the transition artificial turf field in aquick and efficient manner.

Because it is contemplated that the non-filled artificial turf mats canbe arranged on a floor for a specific activity and then removed andstored when a different activity is to take place on the same floor, itis desirable to provide a system that allows the non-filled artificialturf mats to be easily attached and separated. In some aspects, thesystem can be reusable in that it can permit the non-filled artificialturf mats to be connected and then separated multiple times. In someembodiments in accordance with the invention, the system can allow thenon-filled artificial turf mats to be attached to each other and form asubstantially contiguous top surface. In other embodiments, thenon-filled artificial turf mats can be secured by connection means forreducing movement between selectively adjoined artificial turf mats andpreventing gaps from occurring between the selectively adjoinedartificial turf mats. In one aspect, the connection means can comprisethe connecting system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,307,600, 8,596,011,8,733,056, 8,800,233, and 9,278,243, each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

Selected non-filled artificial turf mats can be coupled togetherutilizing hook and loop fastening systems. To remove the assembledartificial turf field, each non-filled artificial turf mat can beunhooked from the next adjacent non-filled artificial turf mat androlled onto a roller 90 as exemplarily shown in FIG. 1.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the system can comprise ameans for selectively connecting adjoining artificial turf mats 20. Asshown in FIG. 3, the foam substrate 60 of each artificial turf mat 20can define a longitudinally extending shoulder member 64 defining adownwardly facing, substantially horizontal, first connecting surface 65on one longitudinal edge and a longitudinally extending shelf member 66defining an upwardly facing, substantially horizontal, second connectingsurface 67 on the opposite longitudinal edge. It is contemplated thatthe respective shoulder member and shelf member can extend the entirelongitudinal length of the artificial turf mat and be sized and shapedfor a complementary fit with each other. In one aspect, it iscontemplated that the formed complementary fit between the respectiveshoulder member and shelf member can result in the turf layers of theadjoined artificial turf mats being positioned substantially parallel toeach other (assuming the underlying floor surface is level) to define asubstantially flat top surface or working surface.

In one aspect, elongated stripes of attaching material 70 can be adheredto the respective first and second connecting surfaces. The attachingmaterial can be attached to the respective first and second connectingsurfaces 65, 67 by any suitable method such as, but not limited to,flame lamination, gluing, double sided tape, and sewing. In one aspect,attaching material 70 provided with an adhesive on the back can also beused. In one exemplary aspect, the attaching material 70 can be, forexample, a hook and loop attaching material or other conventionalattaching material that is capable of being attached and detachedmultiple times. In another embodiment, the loop portion of the attachingmaterial can be mounted to the horizontal first connecting surface 65 ofthe longitudinally extending shoulder member, and the hook portion ofthe attaching material is mounted on the horizontal second connectingsurface 67 of the longitudinally extending shelf member. Alternatively,the hook portion of the attaching material can be mounted to thehorizontal first connecting surface 65 of the longitudinally extendingshoulder member, and the loop portion of the attaching material ismounted on the horizontal second connecting surface 67 of thelongitudinally extending shelf member. One example, and not meant to belimiting, of a hook and loop material is a series of products sold underthe trade name VELCRO.

In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the non-filledartificial turf mats can be coupled together utilizing magneticattraction forces. In these aspects, it is contemplated that theattaching material on the first connecting surface can comprise at leastone magnet having a first polarity, while the attaching material on thesecond connecting surface can comprise at least one magnet having asecond polarity that is opposite the first polarity to thereby generatea magnetic attraction between the first and second connecting surfaceswhen the magnets are sufficiently aligned (or proximate one another). Itis further contemplated that each of the first and second connectingsurfaces can define receptacles (holes, openings, and the like) forreceiving and retaining respective magnets.

In still further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that thenon-filled artificial turf mats can be coupled together utilizing atleast one projection defined by one of the first and second connectingsurfaces and a corresponding trench defined by the other of the firstand second connecting surfaces. In these aspects, the trench can bespaced from an edge of the mat and run substantially parallel to an edgeof the mat, and each projection can be configured for selectivecomplementary insertion into the trench. In exemplary aspects, thetrench and the at least one projection can have a rectangularcross-sectional shape; however, it is contemplated that any shape,including chamfered and rounded shapes, can be used.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that when non-filled artificialturf mats of the present invention are selectively secured together viaexemplary connection means, the turf layers of both of the adjoiningmats form the substantially contiguous top or working surface.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the attaching material 70 is attached to thesecond connecting surface 67 of the longitudinally extending shelfmember 66, the attaching material can extend over the end edges of thelongitudinally extending shelf member. Optionally, the attachingmaterial can further extend to the bottom surface of the foam substratethat underlies the longitudinally extending shelf member. In thisaspect, the attaching material, when wrapped around the end edges ontothe bottom surface of the foam substrate can provide endurance andsupport of the attaching and detaching of adjoining artificial turf matsfrom each other. When the artificial turf mats are selectively detachedfrom each other, the attaching material receives forces that caneventually wear down the attaching material. By extending the attachingmaterial over the end edges of the longitudinally extending shelf memberand, optionally, to the bottom surface of the foam substrate thatunderlies the longitudinally extending shelf member, wearing of theattaching material can be greatly reduced.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in theforegoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the artthat many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will cometo mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of theteaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings.It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as wellas in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic anddescriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the describedinvention, nor the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. An artificial turf system comprising: a pluralityof artificial turf mats, each artificial turf mat comprising: a turflayer; an underlying foam substrate; and a selective connection meansfor reducing movement between selectively adjoined artificial turf matsand preventing gaps from occurring between the selectively adjoinedartificial turf mats, wherein the turf layer of each artificial turf matdoes not comprise particulate infill.
 2. The artificial turf system ofclaim 1, wherein the turf layer of each artificial turf mat comprises aplurality of fibrillated yarns and a backing material, wherein theplurality of fibrillated yarns are tufted within the backing material.3. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the plurality offibrillated yarns of each artificial turf mat comprises a first type ofyarn and a second type of yarn different from the first type of yarn. 4.The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the backing material ofthe turf layer of each artificial turf mat comprises at least twobacking layers.
 5. The artificial turf system of claim 2, wherein thebacking material comprises a bottommost layer, and wherein the turflayer of each artificial turf mat comprises an adhesive coating thatcoats the bottommost layer of the backing material.
 6. The artificialturf system of claim 5, wherein an exposed portion of the plurality offibrillated yarns extends downwardly through the bottommost layer of thebacking material, and wherein the adhesive coating is configured to bindthe exposed portion of the plurality of fibrillated yarns to thebottommost layer of the backing material.
 7. The artificial turf systemof claim 1, wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf matcomprises a shock resistant material.
 8. The artificial turf system ofclaim 7, wherein the shock resistant material of the foam substratecomprises polyethylene foam.
 9. The artificial turf system of claim 5,wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat is adhered to thebottommost layer of the backing material.
 10. The artificial turf systemof claim 9, wherein the foam substrate of each artificial turf mat isflame-laminated to the bottommost layer of the backing material.
 11. Theartificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the foam substrate of eachartificial turf mat has a bottom surface, and wherein each turf matcomprises a plurality of slits that extend upwardly from the bottomsurface of the foam substrate to a desired depth in the foam substrate.12. The artificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the selectiveconnection means comprises a hook and loop fastening system.
 13. Theartificial turf system of claim 1, wherein the foam substrate of eachartificial turf mat comprises: a longitudinally extending shouldermember on a first longitudinal edge of the mat that defines a downwardlyfacing, substantially horizontal, first connecting surface; and alongitudinally extending shelf member on a second, opposing longitudinaledge of the mat that defines an upwardly facing, substantiallyhorizontal, second connecting surface, wherein the shoulder member isshaped for a complementary fit with the shelf member.
 14. The artificialturf system of claim 13, wherein each artificial turf mat compriseselongated stripes of attaching material that are attached to therespective first and second connecting surfaces.
 15. The artificial turfsystem of claim 14, wherein the attaching material comprises a hook andloop attaching material, wherein a loop portion of the hook and loopattaching material is attached to one of the first and second connectingsurfaces, and wherein a hook portion of the hook and loop attachingmaterial is attached to the other of the first and second connectingsurfaces.
 16. The artificial turf system of claim 14, wherein theattaching material extends over end edges of the shelf member.
 17. Theartificial turf system of claim 16, wherein the foam substrate has abottom surface, and wherein the attaching material extends to the bottomsurface of the foam substrate.
 18. A method of preparing an artificialturf surface, comprising: attaching a first connecting surface of afirst artificial turf mat to a second connecting surface of a secondartificial turf mat, wherein each artificial turf mat comprises: a turflayer; an underlying foam substrate; and attaching material attached tothe first and second connecting surfaces of the artificial turf mat,wherein the turf layer of each artificial turf mat does not compriseparticulate infill, and wherein the attachment of the first connectingsurface of the first artificial turf mat to the second connectingsurface of the second artificial turf mat reduces movement between thefirst and second artificial turf mats and prevents gaps from occurringbetween the first and second artificial turf mats.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein attaching material attached to the first and secondconnecting surfaces of each artificial turf mat comprises hook and loopattaching material.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the foamsubstrate of each artificial turf mat has a bottom surface, wherein eachturf mat comprises a plurality of slits that extend upwardly from thebottom surface of the foam substrate to a desired depth in the foamsubstrate, and wherein the method further comprises rolling up theattached first and second artificial turf mats.